Although Saint Joseph School students have only been back in school since the end of August, it’s been a hectic two weeks! On August 30th, students in Grades 1-8 returned to their classrooms to begin the 2022-2023 school year. The school administration, teachers, AAA Safety Patrol, and Associate Pastor, Rev. Anthony Kazarnowicz, welcomed students as they exited their vehicles during morning drop-off. It was a time for greetings and hugs! Students and parents also posed for back-to-school photos in front of the school entrance, decorated with balloons and streamers. During the back-to-school assembly later that morning, students were welcomed back for the 2022-2023 school year, and the 8th Grade students were recognized as they embarked on their final year at SJS. Each 8th Grade student received red beads from their homeroom teacher, Mrs. Mary Ann Weaver, and massive applause from their peers. As the week continued, Kindergarten and PreK students also arrived for their first school days.
At the end of their second week of school, the students gathered in the schoolyard to receive a blessing of their backpacks from their Headmaster, Rev. Grzegorz Chodkowski. Mrs. Beth Boudreau, the Principal, loves the Backpack Blessing. She said, ‘The Backpack Blessing has become an annual tradition at Saint Joseph School because backpacks signify to students that they have everything they need to learn and grow. They have their pencils, crayons, notepads, and more. By blessing their backpacks and contents, we send our students off for the new school year with the necessary materials and tools, and more importantly, with powerful spiritual tools – our prayers.” The Blessing was as follows: “Heavenly Father, bless this backpack and the student who uses it. When they carry their backpacks, may they be reminded of the love and guidance surrounding them each day. Always keep them safe and in Your loving care.”
The first two weeks of the 2022-2023 school year culminated over the weekend with the September Family Mass, a 9/11 Remembrance Mass, and a breakfast social organized by the Home and School Association. Mrs. Karen Lefebvre’s 7th Grade students were responsible for the Liturgy of the Word and the Prayer of the Faithful. In addition, every student contributed to the offertory by creating paper doves – the symbol of peace – to fill the baskets. It was a fantastic weekend that ended with delicious food and great fellowship at the social. The year at Saint Joseph School is undoubtedly off to a great start!
For more photos from the Back-to-School Social click HERE.
